JULIE KAY DESIGN STUDIO
As August kicks off a season of fresh starts, it's the perfect time to refresh your space. Whether you're creating a focused home office, a cozy study nook, or giving your living room a stylish upgrade, Julie Kay Design Studio brings function and beauty into every corner.
719.375.3969
STUDIO & RETAIL HOURS
MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM - 5PM
RETAIL HOURS
SATURDAY 10AM - 7PM
Experience, and Results— from a Local You Can Trust
As a Colorado Springs native with deep local expertise, Robin Chambon Kerr brings an insider’s perspective and a personal touch to every transaction. A top-producing agent licensed with Compass, Robin combines exceptional market knowledge with the powerful national reach of Compass’ industry-leading tools to deliver outstanding results for buyers and sellers alike.
Ready to find your dream home or make your next move? Trust the local expertise and proven success of Robin Chambon Kerr. Let’s move Colorado Springs forward—together.
Kids + Pets
Kids.
Pets.
Two things we have in abundance in the Pikes Peak region. They help remind us of the simple, profound joys of living in a community so close to nature.
Hiking. Camping. Just playing catch in the backyard.
In these waning days of summer, let’s take a moment to honor what our youngest and furriest res idents bring to the community. Then, read on for some ideas that will make them smile (or wag their tails). Don’t have kids or pets? Don’t worry–we have you covered, too.
Read about a business in Briargate that’s a must-visit for sweet treats. Their handspun milkshakes, crafted with housemade ice cream, are a hit among children (and everyone else). Gelato or coffee more your speed? Get the details on a business offering delicious versions of both.
For those looking to add a touch of art to their day, we showcase a local artist whose visual, emotional works are designed to bring comfort.
When it's time to rest, read about a business that offers themed sleepover setups that transform any room into a magical space. From spa nights to adventure themes, they do it all.
Love wildlife? For a unique outdoor experience, learn about a business offering guided llama hikes and meet-and-greet events for parties, corporate events and even... therapy. We also have the scoop on a longtime spot for bird enthusiasts and the details about a longtime museum housing over 7,000 insect specimens. Educational and fascinating.
Finally... A beloved 40-year-old shoe business is moving north. Learn what makes this place a local gem.
Happy August, dear readers. We appreciate you.
ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK, EDITOR
August 2025 Visit our Instagram
PUBLISHER
Scott Barr | scott.barr@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Stephanie Barr | stephanie.barr@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ashley Hamershock ashley.hamershock@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Cara Bukacek | coloradosprings@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashley Hamershock, Rochelle Reeder, Lindsay Tallman, Cara Bukacek, Jacey Blue Renner, Jessi Scoletti
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Arionna Goffinet, Mountain Post Branding, Ritual Photography, May Museum, Brown Shoe Fit, Cas Foste Photography, Kava Tava, Rocky Mtn Sleepover, Cara Bukacek, Cimmaron Photography, Caroline Peters
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Three ERs serving Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas.
Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. And we’re here when they do. Our emergency specialists are standing by 24/7 with advanced imaging, NICU, Flight for Life®️, and expert trauma, stroke, and cardiac care at three Colorado Springs locations.
Scan the code or visit mountain.commonspirit.org to find emergency care nearest you.
ố 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). Penrose Hospital ⋅ St. Francis Hospital ⋅ St. Francis Hospital – Interquest
CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy contact CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region Office of the General Counsel at 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). Copyright © CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region, 2025. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: N
n phí dành cho
n. Gọ
business monthly
Cowboy Star - Happy Hour
Step into rustic luxury at Cowboy Star, where the daily bar-only happy hour from 3–6 PM is the perfect way to unwind in style. Enjoy a curated menu of small bites and bold flavors—like $7 craft beers and snacks, $8 well drinks with heartier fare, and $10 specialty cocktails paired with premium butcher’s bites. Whether you're craving upscale comfort or just need a midweek reset, Cowboy Star’s happy hour delivers every time. Location: 5198 N. Nevada Ave. STE #150. Website: www.cowboystar.com
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar - Happy Hour
Fresh from the coast and packed with flavor, Jax is Colorado Springs' go-to for seafood lovers. Their unbeatable All-Day Monday Happy Hour keeps the weekend vibes going with specials on oysters, shareables, and drinks from open to close. Stop in any other day from 3:30–5:30 PM for more ocean-fresh deals— think $2 East Coast oysters and $9 signature cocktails that taste like vacation. Location: 11 S. Tejon St. Colorado Springs, CO Website: jaxfishhouse.com
Fujiyama- Happy Hour
A local favorite for nearly three decades, Fujiyama is celebrating its 27th anniversary next month—proof that quality sushi and warm hospitality never go out of style. Join them daily from 5–6 PM for happy hour, where fresh rolls, Japanese tapas, and drink specials come together in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect excuse to toast to tradition. Location: 22 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO. Website: www.fujiyamasushi.com
Photography by Cowboy Star
Photography by Jax Fishhouse & Oyster Bar
WE HAVE THE BRANDS YOU’RE LOOKING FOR!
No furniture store in Colorado has the collection of the Brand Names you’re looking for in one place, than American Furniture Galleries!
From our family owned and operated quality leaders like BERNHARDT, CENTURY, HANCOCK AND MOORE, to our worldwide fashion leather leaders like STRESSLESS and NATUZZI LEATHER, we are proud to be your local gallery. With this selection of world famous brands, our guaranteed low price policy, over 104 years of serving the Colorado Springs area, shop us today and let us earn your business!
AMERICAN FURNITURE GALLERIES....FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE!
LEXINGTON AMERICAN LEATHER
HOOKER
BASSETT
THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE SHOULD BE AT HOME...
Creating Magical Experiences
ARTICLE BY JACEY BLUE RENNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROCKY MOUNTAIN SLEEPOVERS
Rocky Mountain Sleepovers: Curating Your Cutest Sleep Yet
When Amanda Wagner first started the transformative slumber party experience Rocky Mountain Sleepovers, her goals were specific: manifest a creatively magical experience for the guest of honor and own a business that allowed her to also create those moments for her own two-year-old son, as a stay-athome mom.
The result? Local residents can order up customized dreaming, orchestrated by their very own modern fairy godmother.
THE BEAUTY IS IN THE DETAILS
Offering themed sleepovers (insert visions of a boho chic wonderland, resplendent with ethereal tent lighting) and spa parties, bachelorette and retreat parties, Rocky Mountain Sleepovers offers a gorgeously detailed new way to host every age. Planning an event is simple: select your slumber style, date of dream delivery, and Wagner brings her tailored experience direct to your door and collects everything the next day.
No stress, no mess—only incredible memories.
“Our most popular themes right now are the Taylor Swift Pick Your Era and the fun Pink & Preppy themes,” Wagner says. “Cousin sleepovers, girls’ nights, bachelorette parties and team events are a few other great reasons to consider using our services.”
MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S SPA DREAM
Ready for some IG-worthy self-care? A pop-up weekend girls’ spa party may be just the fit (no prince or glass slipper needed). Robes (customized for a small additional fee), eye and face masks, and every pretty little detail you might daydream for glorious decompression and glow up, are included in this pampering
package. Grab four friends, or 10, for upscale and relaxing memory-making.
“I honestly get so excited for every single party I have a chance to help with,” she says. “They are all special in their own way. I also hope the parents feel stress-free and are able to enjoy the party more by allowing me to take on the hard work. After the party has ended, my number one goal is that the guest of honor has had the best time and made memories that will last a lifetime.”
BOOK YOUR OWN DREAMS
Website: rockymountainsleepovers.com
Facebook + Instagram: @RockyMountainSleepovers
Serving Colorado’s freshest and most sustainable seafood since 1994… and still making waves.
WHOLE-BODY HEALTH,
Discover a new standard of care at Strata Med, where health and wellness meet every member of your family—mind, body, and spirit. Our integrated services include Naturopathic, Functional and Internal Medicine as well as Mindful Wellbeing programs tailored for men and women. Kids benefit from safe, natural care like acupuncture, chiropractic, gua sha, and nutritional support. Even your pets can thrive with our specialized pet chiropractic care. Strata Med is where your family’s wellness journey begins.
SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY SESSION WITH A WELLNESS COORDINATOR TO GET STARTED. CALL 719-689-8493.
Calm,
and… Therapeutic
Quirky
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINE PETERS & CAS FOSTE PHOTOGRAPHY
Luxy Llama: Bringing Fun and Healing to the Pikes Peak Region
Llamas have a rich history dating back thousands of years in the Andean regions of South America. Domesticated from the wild guanaco, these camelids played a central role in the daily lives of ancient civilizations, carrying heavy loads across rugged mountain terrain.
What sets llamas apart is their remarkable resilience. They adapted to thrive in high altitudes, with thin air, wild temperature swings and limited food resources. Llamas also display strong social bonds and are known for their calm demeanor, which further supports their ability to withstand environmental and social stress.
Terry Rajendran fell in love with camelids during time she spent in Patagonia and began to assemble a llama herd here at home in Colorado. A few years ago, her son was diagnosed with cancer. She worked in the software industry and was constantly “Go, go, go!” She needed to slow down and realized her llamas might just be the answer.
“Out of bad things, sometimes really good things can come,” Rajendran says.
LUXY LLAMA
She approached Leigh Ann Wolfe, owner of Flying W Ranch and its acres of surrounding land, to ask if she might spare a patch of ground for a dream. Wolfe, the daughter of Flying W’s founders, agreed and Rajendran got to work building her vision.
Tucked into a majestic valley between the Flying W Ranch, Glen Eyrie and Garden of the Gods on the city’s west side sits a two-sided hut that shelters cozy seating and a giant clock with no hands. Two llamas peek over an adjacent fence, curious. After allowing them time to observe and get comfortable, Rajendran opens the gate to let Hector and Zorro into the visitor area. They sidle over, with Hector in the lead.
“He is the boss,” she says. A few minutes later, he nuzzles his face up next to Rajendran’s and she bursts into surprised laughter.
CONTINUED >
PARTIES, CORPORATE EVENTS AND… THERAPY
These llamas are versatile—social, quirky and fun. They’re a bit smaller than horses, so less intimidating. That makes them the perfect companions for parties, corporate retreats and other events. Schedule a relaxing meet-and-greet in the enclosed area to feed and brush them or take them on a guided hike through the stunning landscape brimming with wildlife.
Every visit is private, customized and by appointment only. This is a place to unplug and connect with nature and, if desired, with oneself.
Turns out, llamas are excellent therapy animals.
“Sometimes, just going to the doctor isn’t always what you need,” Rajendran says.
For some, chatting with a therapist in the fresh mountain air or simply spending time among the llamas is part of a productive path to healing.
“There is some sort of magic that happens here,” Rajendran says. “It levels the playing field. No one cares—everyone can just be human. … People have a chance to hear themselves think. It gives them a chance to reset.”
“It’s not about Luxy Llama,” she adds. “It’s about the people that come and what they need.”
POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP
That realization has led to a unique partnership between Luxy Llama, Strata Med and the Milestones Resilience Care program at UCCS.
Strata Med Co-Founder and Owner Judy Mackey says treating the “whole person” means supporting not just physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being.
“Luxy Llama perfectly complements this vision by offering a unique form of therapeutic connection that nurtures both the mind and spirit,” Mackey says. “Interacting with the llamas provides a joyful, grounding experience—helping people unplug from the stress of daily life and reconnect with nature in a way that’s both calming and uplifting.”
Dr. Charles Benight, founder and executive director of the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at UCCS, has spent decades researching the human capacity to recover from trauma.
Milestones Resilience Care, a clinic operated by the Lyda Hill Institute, is a groundbreaking initiative focused on healing for individuals recovering from trauma, chronic stress or burnout. The clinic offers traditional trauma therapies, as well as massage, sound therapy, acupuncture, yoga, outdoor immersion, art therapy, and equine- and llama-assisted therapies. This holistic approach allows people to help choose what they think will best help them as they work through what happened to them and rediscover their inner compass.
“We put them back in the driver’s seat,” Benight says.
Strata, Milestones and Luxy… three entities working together to help people heal. Rajendran calls it the Mayo (Clinic) of the Rockies for trauma/mental health.
“The partnerships with both of those groups are really great,” Benight says. “We’re creating and generating some unique opportunities for care.”
Mackey agrees.
“Partnerships like this are helping to reshape the landscape of medicine and therapy by recognizing that care is not
one-size-fits-all,” Mackey says. “True healing goes beyond simply treating or masking symptoms—it’s about addressing the root causes of illness or emotional distress through proactive, personalized approaches. The Luxy Llama program is a powerful example of how alternative therapies can be thoughtfully integrated into a broader treatment plan, offering patients new ways to manage trauma and stress while supporting long-term well-being.”
Luxy Llama:www.luxyllama.com | @Luxy_Llama Strata Med:www.stratawell.com | @StrataWell Milestones Resilience Care:milestones.uccs.edu | @UCCSResilience Flying W Ranch: www.flyingw.com | @FlyingWChuckwagon | @FlyingWRanch_Co
Scott W. Palmer Owner
HANDSPUN AND HOMEMADE
MilkShake Factory: Local Owners Bring Deliciousness to Colorado Springs
ARTICLE BY LINDSAY TALLMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY
In the spring of 2025, Jon and Micayla Bahr embarked on a new adventure to bring the Milkshake Factory to the Briargate area of Colorado Springs. This family business started in Pittsburgh in 1914, originally as a chocolate shop and ice cream soda fountain known as Dona’s Chocolate Shop.
“It’s just a spot for you to come and enjoy life and have a great milkshake.”
The business eventually became the MilkShake Factory and offered franchise opportunities under the fourth generation of owners.
The Bahrs live in Colorado Springs and have always wanted to open something in the community where people could gather and have fun. They heard about the MilkShake Factory through a podcast and loved the products. The company’s mission to create simple moments of joy resonated with the couple, who shares with Bahrs, who share fond memories of celebrating life’s big and small moments by going out for dessert.
Jon emphasizes, “We want to be a community destination for our guests.”
NOT YOUR ORDINARY MILKSHAKE
The milkshake menu is extensive. Shakes are handspun and made with homemade ice cream. In
addition to the selection of classic milkshakes that include traditional flavors like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, they also offer modern creations in their signature and gourmet collection. Some of the imaginative flavors include campfire s’mores, cookie jar and chocolate dipped strawberry (complete with a chocolate dipped strawberry on top). They also offer non-dairy shakes and seasonal flavors. Customer favorites at the Briargate location include mint cookies and cream, cookie jar, chocolate dipped strawberry and peanut butter brownie.
Since the original store was founded by chocolatiers, the MilkShake Factory also offers a full chocolate bar with chocolates, most of which are made in-house daily. They offer free samples of their chocolate barks and the display is stunning.
The MilkShake Factory also has a $5 happy hour on all classic shakes from 4-6 pm on Thursdays.
GROWING IN THE COMMUNITY
Micayla loves that the store lets them engage with people.
“We meet so many more people in the community,” she says. “We have a great team that we get to kind of develop and grow, and I feel like that is really fulfilling for us.”
Both Jon and Micayla have a corporate background and opening the MilkShake Factory has given them the opportunity to connect more with the local community. The Briargate location is currently the only MilkShake Factory in Colorado and the Bahrs eventually hope to open two more locations in Colorado Springs.
Jon says they love being a part of the community: “It’s just a spot for you to come and enjoy life and have a great milkshake.”
Website: www.milkshakefactory.com/locations/ co-briargate-9291-highland-ridge-heights
Facebook: @MilkShakeFactoryBriargate
Instagram: @TheMilkShakeFactory
Address + Phone: 9291 Highland Ridge Heights, Ste 130 | 719-409-5995
Kitchen FROM TO CANVAS
ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARIONNA GOFFINET
Arionna Goffinet: Embracing Art an Outlet for Healing
For most of her life, Arionna Goffinet thrived in the heat of a kitchen.
Originally from Bloomington, Ind., she moved to Colorado Springs four years ago, bringing with her a fierce work ethic and embedding herself in the downtown restaurant scene. Goffinet explains how she was raised by her grandmothers, Yaya and Mimi, and gives them credit for instilling in her not only work ethic, but also respect and kindness.
Although she has always been creative and drawn to art, she gives her Auntie Monique, Momo, credit for fostering this path in her life. She remembers receiving art supplies for all of the big holidays and spending time with Momo experimenting with multiple mediums.
PAINTING AS AN OUTLET
At 15, Goffinet started building her career behind the scenes in the back-of-house kitchen work at a variety of restaurants including roles from line cook to sous chef. Navigating her own mental health journey, Goffinet turned to painting as a powerful outlet to process and heal. What began as a cathartic escape on her one day off in a 60-hour work week quickly turned into a calling.
It was while working at one of these restaurants that she met her wife, Olga. Olga had a behind-the-scenes peek at all of Goffinet’s work, recognized the talent and potential and encouraged her to share her art with the world by starting with her city.
When Goffinet walked out of the kitchen for the last time in 2023, she stepped fully into a new kind of heat—one fueled by color, emotion and creativity.
“I thought being an artist meant painting alone in my attic with Judge Judy on,” she laughs. “Now I’m out at shows, doing events. It’s wild.”
Working in fast-paced kitchens surrounded by people and controlled chaos, Goffinet now found herself at home, painting what she felt as she felt it.
“For the first six months, I didn’t even know what my style was,” she notes.
CHANGING SEASONS
Her early pieces were raw and introspective—an emotional response to a life in flux. One day, not long after the loss of her beloved cat and constant companion, Raja Gemini, Goffinet
stood on her porch, quietly reflecting on the weight of it all. As if on cue, a windstorm swept through. In that moment, she chose to see it as a release—as if the universe were clearing the slate, carrying away the heaviness and signaling the start of a new season.
Her breakout moment came just six days after her Zodiac Collection debuted at The Platte Collections Gallery, when a collector came through and bought the entire series. Since then, she’s produced multiple powerful bodies of work including the Femme Fatale series, and the Black & White Collection.
Goffinet’s distinct pop art style stands out. But make no mistake, there is soul in each stroke of the brush. Inspired by a circle of strong women in her life, each face has a story.
“These aren’t fantasy women,” she says. “They’re the women you see at the grocery store. On the sidewalk. They’re powerful because they’re real.”
Her work isn’t just visual, it’s emotional. It’s her therapy, and she hopes it becomes comfort for others, too.
ART AS COMFORT
“I just want people to feel less alone when they see my work,” she says. “I’ve felt alone. And if someone can feel understood, or strong, or seen because of a painting? That’s everything.”
In 2023, Goffinet officially left kitchens behind to become a full-time artist. July 2025 will mark one full year since she sold her first piece of art. And with a major show planned at Platte Collections Gallery in April and May 2026 featuring a new Tarot Card Series, plus ongoing additions to her Femme Fatale and Gods & Monsters collections, she’s just warming up.
Website: www.artworkbyarionna.net
Facebook: @Arionna.Goffinet
Instagram: @ArtworkByArionna
SHOWCASING INSECTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
May Museum: 100 Years of Entomological History
ARTICLE BY LINDSAY TALLMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY
With a history dating back more than 100 years, the May Natural History Museum attracts curious kids, tourists and trained entomologists from all over the world to investigate the 7,000-plus insects on display. Started by James Frederick May, a naturalist who collected insects over his lifetime, the museum is one of the largest private collections of tropical insects in the United States.
Set on Golden Eagle Ranch, the May Museum is a family-owned and operated business located in Colorado Springs since the 1950s. Families and visitors of all ages visit the museum and picnic on the grounds, which are home to hiking trails and wildlife.
A FAMILY HISTORY
“Folks love our family history because it’s so crazy unique,” says Diana Fruh, the current director of the May Museum.
Currently, the museum is co-operated by some of James Frederick May’s great-grandchildren including Fruh and her cousins R.J. Steer and Carrie Woolf. May collected insects from all over the world including Brazil, Africa, Canada and North and South America. He also traded with other bug collectors to acquire new species from areas where he hadn’t traveled.
James May’s son, John May, then took the collection that was stored in the family home and turned it into a traveling show business. John May built all the cases for the insects using skills he learned from a German cabinet maker in order to keep the insects in airtight storage displays for preservation.
The traveling show toured state and county fairs back in the 1930s and 1940s. The family originally opened a museum in Florida, but found that the location wasn’t ideal.
Luckily, the family fell in love with the Front Range of Colorado and the dry climate was perfect for preserving the specimens.
LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE
Fruh says one of their hopes is that the museum will foster kids’ interest in bugs and the natural world so they will grow up wanting to make a difference in the environment.
“The collection is a serious scientific collection from an entomology perspective,” Fruh says.
Many visitors go to the May Museum for the nostalgia of returning to a place they remember visiting as a child. The museum is an educational opportunity to learn about a large variety of insects including butterflies, moths, spiders and beetles. Visitors can also marvel at Herkimer, a statue replica of one of the world’s largest beetles. The statue is 48 times larger than the actual Dynastes Hercules beetle. One of the favorite displays for kids is a flying fox, one of the largest bats in the world.
The museum is open daily from 9 am-6 pm May 1 through October 1 and continues to host school groups and by-appointment showings throughout the year. This fall, the May Museum is planning to host a Halloween event called Boo with the Bugs. Fruh notes, “Our very unique little venue is one of a kind.”
“How many cities can say they have a bug museum, right?” she says, laughing.
Website: www.coloradospringsbugmuseum.com
Facebook: @MayBugMuseum
Instagram: @May.Museum
Gelato, Coffee, Sandwiches + Desserts
Kava Tava: Bringing Inspired Bites and Beverages to the East Side
Shane Carr spent six years in the Marines, followed by 25 years in corporate finance. In addition to being a math whiz, Carr also has a passion for coffee. His job in finance allowed him the ability to work from home, but he often preferred to tote his laptop to his local coffee shop where he could sip on fresh brew and enjoy a change of scenery.
“When I first moved to the area, Jives Coffee Lounge was just down the street from my house,” Carr says. “I met and became friends with the owner, Dored Najjar. It had been a dream of mine to one day own and operate my own coffee shop. Meeting Dored would eventually help to bring my dream to reality.”
A DREAM REALIZED
In November of 2023, Carr purchased an existing business called Javalato Gelato & Café, located on the east side of Colorado Springs. The aesthetic of the space was more café than coffee house, so Carr immediately set his sights on a remodel and menu change. Around this time, Carr had a conversation with Najjar about his plan and together they discussed the possibilities.
Najjar formerly owned a chain of coffee shops in Croatia called Kava Tava, which he sold when he moved to the United States. He offered Carr a franchise opportunity and a collaboration was born. Together, Carr and
ARTICLE BY CARA BUKACEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAVA TAVA
Najjar created a menu and Najjar took over the social media responsibilities. In March of 2024, Kava Tava opened its doors with a new look and a new menu.
THE MENU
Coffee is the star of the show at Kava Tava. Carr sources his coffee locally from Spanish Peaks Roasters located in Colorado Springs. His coffee menu includes classics along with seasonal offerings and inspired signature drinks, all named after wellknown vintage movies.
Gelato wasn’t part of Carr’s original concept, but the new space came with all of the equipment and he figured, why not? He imports his gelato ingredients from Italy to keep it as authentic as possible. Kava Tava rotates among 14 original flavors and adds seasonal flavors throughout the year. For those looking for dairy-free options, Carr also includes vegan gelato/sorbet flavors in the rotation.
There are many ways to enjoy gelato at Kava Tava including cones, dishes, and in creative sundaes.
For brunch-friendly bites, Kava Tava offers four savory sandwiches along with a menu item called Chinkice, which are “pancakes with a Kava Tava Twist.” Chinkice is built with five pancakes and topped with ingredients like Nutella, strawberries, bananas, white chocolate, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, a cone of gelato on top. Kava Tava also offers a variety of muffins as well as cake.
In addition to food, the Kava Tava menu offers cocktails and smoothies. And if the mood hits, you can add a scoop of gelato to any coffee or smoothie for an additional price.
LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
While the current focus for Carr is to create a space where the locals can gather and enjoy great hospitality and an amazing cup of coffee, he does have his eye on the future.
“I would love to eventually start a coffee and catering food truck/trailer,” Carr says. “There is a need for mobile gelato and coffee to cater special events and local festivals. At the coffee shop, I would eventually like to host live entertainment, as well. I have a lot of ideas but for now I am just trying to get the word out about Kava Tava and all we have to offer.”
Website: under construction Instagram + Facebook: @KavaTavaColoradoSprings
A Perfect FIT
For more than four decades, Brown’s Shoe Fit has been a trusted name in downtown Colorado Springs. Now, this beloved independent shoe store is stepping into a new chapter with a move to a larger location at Academy and Vickers. Though the address may be changing, the heart and mission of the store remains the same: providing expert service and high-quality footwear for every foot.
FOOTWEAR EXPERTS
Ryan Prickett, manager and partner, has 28 years of experience in the shoe industry. His journey began when his uncle, already involved in Brown’s Shoe Fit, needed help and offered Prickett a job. Prickett started and joined the nationally accredited apprenticeship program that Brown’s Shoe Fit offers. Through hands-on training in customer service, ordering, and operations, Prickett earned his place as a partner in the business.
“I love each and every part of it,” he says. “There’s always something to do, and helping people is what drives me.”
Prickett took over the Colorado Springs store in 2009 after relocating to be closer to family. His associate, Dan Vega, has also been in the shoe business for nearly three decades, and has spent the last 18 years at Brown’s.
Brown’s Shoe Fit: Moving North after 40 Years Downtown
ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROWN'S SHOE FIT
LARGE SELECTION OF QUALITY BRANDS
Brown’s Shoe Fit is part of a larger company with 74 stores nationwide, founded 115 years ago in Iowa by Win Brown. Despite its size, the store maintains its local, independent spirit. They specialize in fitting people who are on their feet all day—healthcare workers, teachers, and foodservice professionals—and regularly receive referrals from local podiatrists.
They already offer the largest selection of Dansko and Birkenstock in the area, and now the new location will allow them to expand their selection, particularly in running shoes.
Customers can expect a curated collection of top brands, researched and vetted for quality and comfort. Their personalized service includes foot measurement, arch and gait analysis, and assessments of pronation and pressure points to ensure the perfect fit.
Whether you need support for foot issues or just want stylish, comfortable footwear, Brown’s Shoe Fit is ready to help you find the right pair.
Website: stores.brownsshoefitcompany.com/colorado-springs Facebook + Instagram: @BrownsColoradoSprings
30 years of Seed, History + Kindness
This Place is for the Birds: All Things Birds, Located on a 116-Year-Old Farm
ARTICLE BY JESSI SCOLETTI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CIMARRON PHOTOGRAPHY
In May, This Place is for the Birds celebrated its 30-year anniversary and this bird shop has a unique past and quite the inventory to share.
THE HISTORY
Owner Ronnie Perry bought the farmland from Katie Veen in 1990. Veen was born in France in 1899 and came to the United States in 1919. Several years later, she appeared in silent movie “The Cactus Kid” before deciding to settle down on the farm in 1935. Veen lived on the property for 55 years before her real estate agent introduced her to Perry.
“I made her an offer which she accepted, we drew up a one-paragraph contract, signed it, and became the best of friends until her passing,” Perry says. “She was a special lady that witnessed a lot in her lifetime.”
THE SHOP
Located on a 116-year-old farm in the heart of Colorado Springs, Perry has cultivated a welcoming shop offering a large selection of fountains, statuary, yard art, pots and planters, gift items, flower baskets, annuals and perennials.
With thousands of items to choose from in a kaleidoscope of colors, This Place is for the Birds also carries the largest selection of bird feeders, bird baths, bird houses and wild bird related supplies and products in the area.
Looking for seed? The shop offers nine different birdseed mixes, each designed for the Pikes Peak region and mixed by hand by their friendly, knowledgeable staff. Selling more than 300,000 pounds of seed per year, This Place is for the Birds has sold almost six million pounds directly to the public.
“We are in the top two percent of all these stores in the country,” Perry says.
Ready for fall? Mark your calendars because the shop sells pumpkins grown at Hannigan Farms in Swank, Colo.
SO, WHAT’S WITH THE NAME?
Taking a liking to the double meaning, Ronnie has much to celebrate with the growth of his line of products, courteous staff, and the memories that lie on the just under two acres of land. From two cars a week to building a community, This Place is for the Birds is a welcoming, family-owned establishment that offers seed, history and kindness to all.
Facebook: @BirdmanPalmerPark
Address + Phone: 2318 Palmer Park Blvd | 719-633-4422
2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 9TH
The
Broadmoor's Cycle to the Summit
Pikes Peak | 6:00 AM
The Broadmoor Cycle to the Summit is an annual cycling race that takes riders on a grueling ascent up Pikes Peak. Starting at the base, cyclists navigate a 12.42-mile course with an elevation gain of 4,720 feet, tackling steep inclines and challenging terrain as they race to the summit. The event draws competitive cyclists and recreational riders alike. coloradospringssports.org/events/cycletothesummit
AUGUST 9TH
Rocky Mountain Flower Fest
Venetucci Farm | 3:00 PM
Rocky Mountain Flower Fest... an evening of music in the foothills, surrounded by beautiful flowers. This event combines the charm of a flower farm with the lively tunes of local bluegrass, americana and folk music. There will be flower installations for photos, flowers to pick, flower crowns to wear, food trucks, craft beer, an artisan market and line dancing. gathermountainblooms.com/flower-fest
AUGUST 16TH
Time Travelers Vintage Expo
Colorado Springs Event Center | 10:00 AM
Time Travelers Vintage Expo is the largest traveling retro vintage market in the United States, visiting 17 cities from coast to coast--a retro wonderland with vintage clothing, home goods, retro-inspired handmade and more. Vendors are carefully selected from across the country for a highly curated shopping experience and offer a wide range of styles and price points. showpass.com/colorado-springs-time-travelers-vintage-expo-2025
AUGUST 22ND
Colorado State Fair
1001 Beulah Ave., Pueblo | 11:00 AM
The Colorado State Fair is 11 days of fun ending on Labor Day. The 2025 fair runs Aug. 22 through Sept. 1 in Pueblo. Lots of great entertainment on tap this year, including the My Generation Tour starring The Lovin’ Spoonful, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, and The Hollies Greatest Hits with Terry Sylvester. coloradostatefair.com
AUGUST 28TH
Tails,
Tunes & Tastes
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | 6:00 PM
Make your way to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for Tails, Tunes & Tastes, a magical evening on the mountain, exclusively reserved for ages 21 and up. Local musicians will set the mood as you explore the zoo. Tickets include unlimited small plates and two drink tickets. Cash bars also available. cmzoo.org/events-programs/special-events/tails-tunes-tastes
AUGUST 30TH
Labor Day Lift Off
Memorial Park | 5:15 AM
Three days of fun. Kick off your mornings watching 70-plus hot air balloons rise into the sky! The fun doesn't stop there—Hot Air Happy Hour kicks off at 3:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday, with great food, awesome local vendors, and live music. End your evening with the balloon glow and rocking performances by Cody Cozz and The Sofakillers! coloradospringslabordayliftoff.com/schedule
Join us for Pawtoberfest, a dog-friendly festival featuring craft brews and spirits tasting, pet contests, activities for the whole family, and plenty of tasty food from local food trucks!
